Overview

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on children's author Chris Van Allsburg's modern holiday classic of the same name, The Polar Express revolves around Billy Hayden McFarland, who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so, what with his family's dogged insistence that all of it, from the North Pole, to the elves, to the man himself, is all just a myth. This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him ...

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Overview

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on children's author Chris Van Allsburg's modern holiday classic of the same name, The Polar Express revolves around Billy Hayden McFarland, who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so, what with his family's dogged insistence that all of it, from the North Pole, to the elves, to the man himself, is all just a myth. This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him and a group of other lucky children to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. The train's conductor Tom Hanks along with the other passengers help turn Billy's crisis in faith into a journey of self-discovery. A long-time fan of Van Allsburg's book, Hanks also helped produce the film. ~ Tracie Cooper

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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble
- Donald Liebenson

The Polar Express was slow to pull out of the station in its theatrical run, but it gathered steam and continued to draw audiences throughout the 2004 holiday season, defying the typical pattern. It would be inaccurate to call it a “little engine that could,” though, as director Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation of the Chris Van Allsburg book is pretty much a roaring locomotive thrill ride. Zemeckis, who pushed the visual effects envelope with such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Forrest Gump, employs a process called "performance capture," digitally translating the movements of human actors into hyper-realistic animation. What the film lacks in personality, it more than makes up for with breathtakingly beautiful snowscapes. However, it threatens to derail in the time-padding action sequences that would be more at home in a video game, as the Express careers up and down mountains and skids across a frozen lake en route to its rendezvous with St. Nick. Keeping the film on track is Tom Hanks, who provides the human host for several characters, including the young boy (voiced by Daryl Sabara), the conductor, and a mysterious hobo who inexplicably camps on top of the train. Further powering The Polar Express are a heart-melting, Oscar-nominated ballad ("Believe"), a rollicking showstopper complete with dancing waiters ("Hot Chocolate"), and the instantly recognizable Jerry Lewis tones of prolific voice-over artist Eddie Deezen as Know-It-All, who has a lot to learn when it comes to Santa Claus.

All Movie Guide
- Karl Williams

Even if it didn't boast state-of-the-art motion-capture effects, the holiday adventure The Polar Express would be a notable film for the way it patiently compiled an impressive box-office haul the old-fashioned way: gradually over time, thanks to strong word of mouth. That's a stark contrast to the usual harbinger of a film's success: the ritual, vigorous looting of moviegoers' pockets in one or two weekends, quickly, before anyone realizes the film stinks. Its slow build was probably due to a marketing campaign failure -- a blitz of television commercials that made the film's animation seem stodgy, dull, and flat. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Director Robert Zemeckis and his effects wizards faithfully render the distinctive style of illustrator and writer Chris Van Allsburg, the creator of the original children's picture book upon which the film is based, with magically arresting results. If The Polar Express flags a bit in the middle, it's due to the strain of stretching a very short story into a feature-length running time, but that's the only flaw in what is otherwise an instant holiday classic. Tom Hanks delivers a skillful performance in multiple roles (especially as the flinty conductor), and kids are sure to be swept up in the literal roller-coaster ride that the movie becomes. Though it's a polar opposite (pun intended) in tone, it is exciting to note that, just six months later, Sin City (2005) from director Robert Rodriguez represents a second notable effort to adhere as closely as possible to the creator's artistic vision and style, a remarkable and hopeful development in an era of cookie-cutter, corporate product.

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Save this one for older children

My son, who first saw this movie in the theatre when 3, was terrified. We left in the middle of it because his heart was pounding and he was shaking. While this is a beautiful story with a wonderful message, do not let the prior review compel you to believe this movie is for children of all ages. I expect my son will be better prepared for the scary sections when he is 6 or 7.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Not for all children. Preview first!

My husband and I rented the DVD and previewed it before showing it to my 3 year old son who loves trains. I am very glad that we did that because it was way too scary to be shown to him. There are several scenes where the children are walking on top of a snow covered train and almost fall off. Another scene has the train losing control on a lake of ice and then the ice starts to crack. There is also a mystery ghost man who "lives" on top of the moving train. I know that all children are different, but I can't imagine letting my son see this movie until he is much older. I suggest that you preview this movie before you give it to the little ones in your life.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Pretty good family Christmas movie....

Though this movie isn't as good as "Elf" or "The Santa Clause", this is still a very good family movie. However, there are quite a few scenes that would scare kids under the age of seven... so I will just give you a word of caution on that part. However, this is a very good classic, and it deserves to be a part of your DVD library. The only part I don't like about this movie is this... why doesn't any of the kids have names? The main character is cast as "Hero Boy", the sweet girl is credited as "Hero Girl", the obnoxious boy is credited as "Know-It-All Kid", etc. I don't know, it's bothered me for quite some time now. I also don't understand why Tom Hanks played all those roles. He played the conductor, Santa Clause, the hobo, etc. I wish the film-makers gave him at least two roles... he was very funny in the movie, but it would have been better if they just gave him one role. Anyway, the animation is very... stunning! Wow.. it's so awesome! While I was sitting in the theater, quite a few times (hmmm... let's say... 25?) where I was thinking, "Wow! Is this real?" Because that's EXACTLY what it looked like... it looked sooooooooooo real!!! It was really amazing, they did an excellent job with the animation. Anyway, you should get this movie and add it to your DVD library. It's certainly a good Christmas treat for your family!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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M3ow

Posted December 16, 2014

@ Anonymous posted Oct 1, 2010: I think you missed the point. Th

@ Anonymous posted Oct 1, 2010: I think you missed the point. The casting of Tom Hanks in all the roles is on purpose. It leads you to wonder if all the characters are the same person, each testing the child's beliefs in a different way and eventually leading him to the same conclusion. It's really brilliant. This movie is amazing especially for children struggling with the idea of Santa and adults forgetting the spirit of Christmas. It renews a spark in your heart.

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This is one of my very favorite Christmas movies. It's just not

This is one of my very favorite Christmas movies. It's just not even the holiday season to me without seeing it. I don't have children so I can't weigh in on what age it's appropriate for, but I can tell you as an adult, I love it. The message is fabulous and the animation is so so beautiful.

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Anonymous

Posted January 27, 2012

Magical

The meaning of the movie is so well told and seamless; would make a great family discussion. It makes me want to believe in Santa again and opens my eyes to angels everywhere. If deciding between the 2D and 3D versions, absolutely go for the 3D. It's the best 3D I've ever seen, including anything I have seen in theaters.

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MameWI

Posted December 25, 2011

Wonderful

Wonderful - I have now watched it three times, each time picking up something I previously missed .. this should be viewed by those 1 to 100 plus! You need to see it to understand my excitement over this movie......you would not be disappointed. Plus it is not just for Christmas - I would watch this anytime, for the deep meaning it holds for daily life.

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Excellent Movie

The Polar Express is by far my most favorite Christmas movie. I love the characters, the graphics, the storyline, etc. Because of this movie, my 3 yr old really, truely believes in Santa Claus. We've seen it during Christmas and off-season.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

My Nook

I love my Nook however I would have like more direction on it use included instead of have to search and review on line. Also it would have been helpful if an explantion was included that said my extended coverage was electronically noted and thaere was no contract or paper to have. Otherwise I have purchased my first book and I am enjoying the reading.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

very sweet

My daughter loves this movie and requests "choo choo" back to back... very sweet movie, and the music is wonderful! I even usually don't mind watching it repeatedly with her :P

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

New Christmas Classic in 3-D

I had seen this at the theater and really enjoyed it. The Blu-ray gives the clarity necessary to bring this movie to life on a small screen and the 3-D or not 3-D makes it a real winner.

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Amazing Christmas Movie!

Okay, okay...so I am a bit late in seeing this, but yes...I just finally saw this movie shortly before writing this review. Better late than never though I guess. But yeah, this is an excellent movie. I definitely want to buy this now. Why I hadn't bothered to see this any sooner, I have no idea, but now that I have, I totally recommend it to anyone else who hasn't. It's a lot of fun! Listed below are a few of many other great Chistmas titles to check out also.

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BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER MADE

Like I wrote in my review on iTunes, I thought this was another one of those poorly-made kid movies about Christmas. But after watching it in school three years ago, I finally realized what a wonderful, sweet movie this really is. It helped me see that I could still have the Christmas Spirit even after I grew up. And there's something in it for everyone, adults and children alike. All I can say is...this is an awesome movie!

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Magical

Best Holiday Story on DVD I have seen and my next favorite is old school..Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. This is a family tradition every Christmas Eve Eve. The ending will make a grown man cry.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

Josh Hutcherson is amazing as the hero boy in this film, as always!

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

A Christmas Best

This movie has totally brought out the christmas spirit in me. A must see!!

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

It's Grrrrrrrrrreat!!!

This movie is one of the best children movies ever. The animation was wonderful so life like, and the plot made you want to believe in Santa if you don't already or make you believe again. I recommend this movie for all children of ALL ages.

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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2010

Great for the whole family!

My husband and I curled up on the couch with our 2 daughters (ages 3 1/2 and almost 2) on a cool morning and watched this wonderful movie. The girls were completely captivated with the fantastic story and all the action. I don't think there is another family movie out there that compares.

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